MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR GENDER-BASED MURDER OF LIFE PARTNER

17 June 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR GENDER-BASED MURDER OF LIFE PARTNER

The Nxuba Regional Court (formerly Cradock) has sentenced Brian Scharneck (33) to life imprisonment for the murder of his life partner, Marilyn Maarman (38), at their home on Elansdrift Farm. Maarman lived with Scharneck on the farm. On 30 September 2023, fellow farm employees noticed that Maarman had sustained severe burns to her head and face. Concerned for her well-being, they called an ambulance. She was transported to the hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries the following day, on 01 October 2023.

Following her death, allegations emerged that Scharneck had physically assaulted her. During the police investigation, Scharneck confessed to attacking her with a ceramic bowl, kicking her, and punching her with his fists after accusing her of infidelity. In his own words, her admission to the allegation enraged him and led to the violent assault. Scharneck was arrested on 02 October 2023 and later pleaded guilty to the charge of murder in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

In arguing for a fitting sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor, Makabongwe Seyibokwe, highlighted the cruel and sustained nature of the attack, emphasising that gender-based violence has no place in society and must be met with the harshest of penalties. He pointed out that the victim was attacked in her own home, a place where she should have felt safe, and that the brutality of the assault, carried out by someone she trusted and lived with, demonstrated a complete disregard for her dignity, life, and humanity. Seyibokwe added that such acts of domestic violence continue to plague communities and that the courts must send a clear message that offenders will face the full might of the law.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said: "This life sentence demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence. This ruling sends a strong message that such acts of violence will be met with the full might of the law. No person should have to endure violence at the hands of a partner or loved one. We commend the prosecution team and the investigating officers for their swift and thorough work in securing this conviction.”

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence imposed on the accused for the brutal, gender-based murder of his life partner. This outcome affirms the justice system’s unwavering commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) with the seriousness it deserves. The sentence sends a strong and unequivocal message that perpetrators of intimate partner violence will face the full might of the law.

The NPA remains resolute in its pursuit of justice for victims of GBV and in ensuring safe communities for all.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division
National Prosecuting Authority
047 501 2630
ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries:
nmakupula@npa.gov.za | 068 268 2473